Six years to the week after Irish hearts were broken by the unseen Thierry Henry handball which cost them a place at the 2010 World Cup finals, the Republic benefited from an equally suspect decision against unfortunate defender Ervin Zukanovic which allowed Walters to open the scoring from the spot.

But the game remained in the balance until the Stoke frontman dispatched a volley past former team-mate Asmir Begovic 20 minutes from time to wrap up a 2-0 win on the night and a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Ireland will take part in a second successive European finals tournament having qualified via the play-offs, an achievement which will extend manager Martin O'Neill's existing contract and surely make the agreement of a longer-term deal which is understood to be on the table a formality.

Sports stars from at home and abroad have been reacting to Ireland magnificent win:

theres gonna be a lot of happy french bar owners tonight! Best way to qualify when you win thru the playoffs!! #COYBIG#EURO2016